Thursday News Brief

OAKFIELD AWARDED $1 MILLION FOR INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES

The Village of Oakfield is receiving a major boost for future growth after being awarded a $1 million grant through the Northern Border Regional Commission’s Catalyst Program.
The funding will help replace aging clay sewer mains, century-old water lines, and reconstruct streets in a key corridor that connects to Genesee County’s STAMP advanced manufacturing park. Village officials say the project will increase water and sewer capacity, improve fire protection, and open nearly 470 acres for future housing and business development.
The total project cost is $2.8 million, with Oakfield already securing an $1.8 million local match. Officials say the improvements will help position the village to support workforce housing and economic growth tied to one of New York’s largest manufacturing expansion projects.
The award is part of more than $13 million distributed across New York State through the latest round of Northern Border Regional Commission funding, which supports infrastructure and economic development projects in rural communities.

 

ALABAMA ENACTS BATTERY STORAGE MORATORIUM

The Town of Alabama has approved a six-month moratorium on new battery energy storage system projects while officials review and update local regulations.
Town Supervisor Rob Crossen says the moratorium will remain in effect through December 31 and will give the town time to work with Wendel Companies on proposed changes, including moving battery storage regulations out of the town’s zoning code and into local law. Officials believe the change could better protect the town from developers seeking zoning variances by claiming public utility status.
Town leaders say the review is aimed at ensuring future battery storage projects meet local health, safety, and community standards. During Tuesday’s meeting, officials also discussed the proposed Alabama Solar Park project, which is expected to enter the state approval process later this summer.
In other business, the board accepted the resignation of Town Historian Dawn Fisher ahead of her retirement from teaching at Oakfield-Alabama, then immediately approved her reappointment effective July 6 so she can continue serving in the historian role.

HAZMAT LEAK AT BERGEN PLANT PROMPTS SHELTER-IN-PLACE

A hazardous materials leak at the Nortera plant in Bergen prompted a shelter-in-place advisory for much of the village Wednesday afternoon.
Emergency crews responded to reports of an ammonia leak at the Church Street facility shortly before 1 p.m. Residents within a half-mile radius were advised to remain indoors, close windows and doors, shut off ventilation systems, and avoid the area while hazmat teams worked to contain the leak.
Firefighters, the Genesee County Hazmat Team, state environmental officials, and other emergency responders spent several hours monitoring air quality and addressing the situation. Officials say the leak was stopped by late afternoon, and testing conducted with assistance from the DEC and EPA showed favorable results.
The shelter-in-place advisory was lifted around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. No injuries were reported, and employees at the plant were evacuated or sent to other Nortera facilities while emergency operations were underway.

 

GUEST SPEAKER SERIES EXPLORES SENECA OIL SPRING HISTORY TONIGHT

The Holland Land Office Museum in Batavia continues its Guest Speaker Series tonight with a presentation exploring the history and cultural significance of oil springs on Seneca land.
Randy John, Ph.D., will present “The Oil Spring Territory” beginning at 7 p.m. at the museum on West Main Street. The program will focus on the history of oil springs and wells on Seneca territory, particularly the Oil Springs Reservation, and their importance within Seneca culture.
Admission is by suggested donation. Those planning to attend are encouraged to contact the Holland Land Office Museum in advance. The program is part of the museum’s ongoing speaker series and is supported by community partners including the Batavia Rotary Club and Tompkins Community Bank.

 

TROPICAL STORM ARTHUR FORMS IN GULF, FLOODING MAIN THREAT

The Atlantic hurricane season has its first named storm, as Tropical Storm Arthur formed Wednesday in the Gulf of Mexico.
Forecasters say Arthur is expected to be a short-lived storm, but heavy rainfall and flash flooding remain major concerns across parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle. The National Hurricane Center says the storm is producing winds of around 45 miles per hour and could bring widespread rainfall totals of five to ten inches, with isolated areas receiving up to 20 inches
Officials are warning residents to remain alert for flash flooding, dangerous surf conditions, and possible tornadoes through Thursday. The storm is expected to weaken and dissipate by late Wednesday or early Thursday, but flooding concerns could continue well after the storm itself moves out of the region.

 

DETAILS EMERGE ON PROPOSED U.S.-IRAN AGREEMENT

New details are emerging about a proposed memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran that could be signed as early as Friday. According to U.S. officials, the agreement would require Iran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, and begin a new round of nuclear negotiations. In return, the United States would waive certain sanctions, allowing Iran to resume oil sales while broader talks continue.
The proposal would also call for an end to military operations in Lebanon and includes language supporting Lebanon’s territorial integrity. President Donald Trump says the agreement would help end the conflict and restart diplomacy, though many details remain unresolved and could face opposition from both Congress and Israeli officials.
If signed, the agreement would establish a 60-day framework for further negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program while easing tensions that have disrupted global energy markets and fueled instability throughout the Middle East.

 

 

 

MUCKDOGS SHUT OUT AUBURN, IMPROVE TO 8-2

The Batavia Muckdogs continued their strong start to the season Wednesday night, blanking the Auburn Doubledays 6-0 at Dwyer Stadium.
Playing in front of a lively crowd on $1 Hot Dog Night, the Muckdogs got another strong all-around performance, combining timely hitting with dominant pitching to secure their eighth win in ten games.
The victory improves Batavia to 8-2 on the season as the Muckdogs continue to build momentum during the early portion of the campaign.
Batavia will look to keep the winning streak going tonight when they hit the road to take on the Olean Oilers. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in Olean.